ABSTRACT
The years 1944-58 are decisive ones for the development of modern France. During them France experienced major change in all her main structures-economic, social, political and diplomatic. In many ways the France of 1944 was more like that of 1900 than that of 1958; but by 1958 France was already clearly moving towards the rank she enjoys today-that of a foremost second-rank power. The following pages will outline some of these changes.
